Systematic Search Upload Instructions
Watch instructional video on YouTube
Deduplicating your Systematic Search
If you’ve searched multiple databases, you may have duplicate studies. Currently, SyRF does not deduplicate studies automatically. Please deduplicate your studies using the ASySD deduplication tool before uploading.
Uploading Files
A Project Administrator can upload a systematic search by selecting Systematic Searches in Project Settings, then clicking “Upload New Systematic Search”.
Accepted file formats:
- EndNote XML (EndNote Desktop only; EndNote Web XML is not supported)
- CSV (Comma-separated values)
EndNote XML
Without screening decisions (currently not supported)
- Import references into EndNote.
- Retrieve full-text PDFs by selecting all references (
Ctrl + A
) and clickingReferences → Find Full Text
. - Select all references (
Ctrl + A
), then clickFile → Export
. - Set file type to XML.
- Name and save the XML file for uploading.
Zotero Export
Zotero’s ‘EndNote XML’ export option isn’t compatible. Use CSV format and follow CSV instructions.
Having issues with EndNote XML uploads? See FAQ.
CSV Upload Instructions
Optionally including screening decisions
Upload study references from a CSV file. Your CSV file must include these exact column headings:
Column Name | Description |
---|---|
Title | Title of the study |
Authors | Authors separated by semicolons, e.g., Smith J; Doe A |
PublicationName | Journal or publication name |
AlternateName | Alternative name(s) for the study (if any) |
Abstract | Study abstract |
Url | Web link to the study (if available) |
AuthorAddress | Corresponding author’s address |
Year | Publication year, format: YYYY (e.g., 2023 ) |
Doi | Digital Object Identifier |
ReferenceType | Reference type (e.g., journal article, book) |
Keywords | Relevant keywords separated by semicolons |
PdfRelativePath | Relative path to associated PDF |
CustomId | Optional identifier used externally which will be included in SyRF data exports |
Download a correctly formatted CSV template here.
- All columns must be present; empty fields are acceptable.
- To upload screening decisions, include separate columns for each reviewer. Decisions should use
1
for inclusion and0
for exclusion. - Only include the above columns and user-specific screening columns. Extra columns or missing required columns will cause upload errors.
- Save files as CSV - Comma delimited (
*.csv
) in Excel (File → Save As
).
Uploading Full-Text PDFs
Retrieve full-text PDFs before uploading references. PDFs cannot be added retroactively.
Ensure the PdfRelativePath
column contains relative paths matching your uploaded folder structure.
More info on relative paths: EndNote guide.
Send the following to SyRF Helpdesk:
- Project name
- PDF folder (via Google Drive or similar)
- CSV with PDF paths and corresponding study titles or SyRF study IDs
PDF File Naming
Avoid invalid filename characters (< > : " \ / | ? *
). Use unique identifiers (e.g., RecordID
).
More details: EndNote’s renaming guide.
Performing a two-stage screening and need PDFs only for included studies? See FAQ.
Viewing Studies
View uploaded studies by clicking Studies → All Studies
in the left navigation panel.
Deleting Systematic Searches
You can delete systematic searches, but be aware this also deletes all associated screening decisions and annotations.